Scrabble rules to allow names like Cheryl Cole, Beckham and Beyonce

Scrabble makers Mattel have changed the rules to allow celebrity names such as
Cheryl Cole,
David Beckham and Beyonce.

Scrabble: New rules mean celebrity names such as Cheryl Cole will now be allowed

The game’s purists have reacted with horror at the news, but the makers have defended the change, stating that it’ll ‘level the playing field’ between experts and beginners.

The game was invented by American Alfred Butts in 1948 â and players have followed the rules he established ever since. And that means no proper nouns.

But from July the names of places, companies and people will all be permitted.

Mattel will even allow words to be spelt backwards â and unconnected to any other words.

Serious Scrabble players around the world are no doubt unleashing streams of words that will never ever be allowed on the famous board at hearing the news.

Richard Lyon, chairman of the Cambridge Scrabble club, told the Daily Mail: ‘These changes go against the core tenets of the game. Avoiding names is a discipline. And floating words make it even easier. Why play a game that doesn’t challenge you?’

Gaming giant Mattel has hit back, though, saying: ‘The new quirks will level the playing field.

‘Experienced players with a vast vocabulary could be equally pitted against players with a love of celebrity or football.

‘Obviously some people will want to continue playing the old rules so we will still be selling a board with the original rules.’